Method of enhancing a participant&#39;s performance in a sporting activity

ABSTRACT

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a participant&#39;s ability to move an object toward a desired target through athletic movement is provided. The method comprises establishing a point of focus that is positioned outward from a participant&#39;s body. The method further comprises instructing the participant to continuously move the point of focus through one or more series of bodily movements within the field of vision of the participant. By shifting his or her emphasis on continuously moving the point of focus, the participant is able to improve focus and concentration, and eliminate the stress and anxiety associated with executing an athletic movement. The method also naturally triggers correct body mechanics, including the proper sequential release of the participant&#39;s joints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/819,941, filed Jun. 21, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/626,799, filed Jan. 24, 2007, which claims thepriority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/762,363, filed Jan. 25, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/765,637, filed Feb. 6, 2006, the entireties of all of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

This invention relates generally to a method of improving a person'sability to perform in a sporting activity and, in particular, to amethod of improving a person's ability to move an object toward adesired target through athletic movement.

Description of the Related Art

Numerous training devices exist that attempt to improve a person'sperformance related to a sporting activity such as golf. A number ofsuch devices are secured to the golf club itself to teach the golfer theprecise desired position of the golf club during the golf stroke. Otheraids comprise ersatz golf clubs or other devices gripped by the golferwhich are swung by the golfer during practice to try to “groove” aproper swing during practice, that can hopefully be recreated during around of golf.

A number of devices attempt to ensure that a person's body positioningis proper. For example, some devices are designed to show undesirablemovement in a golfer's head during a golf swing. In addition, otherdevices attempt to ensure that a person's wrists, spine, shoulders, orfeet are properly situated when performing a golf swing.

A number of other sport training devices are geared toward improving aperson's performance by focusing on the person's body mechanics duringthe execution of the particular movement. For example, some devicesalert the user if he or she is not following a desired motion. Otherdevices even physically guide or restrict portions of the user's body toensure proper bodily positioning and movement. Finally, some devicesoffer indicators that the participant may intermittently use as a guideto ensure proper body alignment or mechanics.

Unfortunately, by forcing the user to focus on his or her alignment,positioning and body mechanics or the precise position of the golf club,these prior training devices and methods impose a lot of stress andanxiety on the user, and often cause the user to revert to his or herbad habits under pressure. Consequently, these devices and methods aregenerally ill-suited for helping a participant in a sporting activityachieve the necessary concentration and focus required to consistentlyand confidently execute a particular bodily motion associated with asporting activity. This is especially true for sports that involvecontact or a collision point, as such contact creates tension andinterferes with the participant's natural body movement.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a method of improving the ability of a userto move an object toward a desired target through athletic movement isprovided. The method comprises establishing a point of focus that ispositioned outward from a user's body. The method further comprisescontinuously moving the point of focus through at least a portion of aback movement, a forward movement ending upon a completion of contactposition and at least a portion of a follow-through movement so that thepoint of focus is substantially continuously within the field of visionof the user.

Desirably, in some embodiments, the method comprises moving the point offocus through a majority of a back movement, a forward movement endingupon a completion of contact position and a majority of a follow-throughmovement. Desirably, this movement of the point of focus is continuous.More desirably, in some embodiments, the method comprises continuouslymoving the point of focus through a substantially entire back movement,a forward movement ending upon a completion of contact position and asubstantially entire follow-through movement.

In one embodiment, the point of focus is moved in a substantiallycircular motion. In one embodiment, the method further comprises adevice that establishes the point of focus, but is not secured to a golfclub or gripped by a user's hands. In one embodiment, the point of focusis associated with the position of the user's forearm. In oneembodiment, the point of focus is substantially parallel to the user'sforearm. In one embodiment, the point of focus is moved substantiallywithin a plane.

In one embodiment, the point of focus is associated with the position ofthe user's shoulder. In one embodiment, the continuous movement of thepoint of focus results in continuous movement of the user's shoulders.In one embodiment, the method further comprises holding an implement forcontacting an object to be moved. In one embodiment, the methodcomprises holding a golf club. In one embodiment, the method comprisesholding a baseball bat. In one embodiment, the back movement, forwardmovement and follow-through comprise a golf swing. In one embodiment,the method comprises holding a baseball bat. In one embodiment, the backmovement, forward movement and follow-through comprise a golf putt.

In one embodiment, an aide for teaching an athletic movement isdisclosed. The aide comprises a body and at least one fastenerconfigured to releasably secure the aide to the user's forearm. The aidefurther comprises a target that defines a point of focus in relation tothe body so that the point of focus has a substantially constantposition with respect to the forearm of the user. In one embodiment, theaide further comprises an adjustable wand that connects the body to thepoint of focus. In one embodiment, the point of focus is defined by aball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments, illustrating all its features, will now bediscussed in detail. The drawings include the following figures, withlike numerals indicating like parts.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a device used toestablish a point of focus;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the device of FIG.1, worn on a user's left forearm;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method at the initial address position of a golf swing;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective front view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method at the initial address position of a golf swing;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 4B shows a perspective front view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 5B shows a perspective front view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 6A shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method at the top of the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 6B shows a perspective front view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method at the top of the backswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodiment ofthe method during the downswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodiment ofthe method during the downswing portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective side view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the follow-through portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 9B shows a perspective front view of a golfer using one embodimentof the method during the follow-through portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a golfer using one embodiment of themethod at the end of the follow-through portion of a golf swing;

FIG. 11 shows a view from the golfer's perspective of a golfer using oneembodiment of the method immediately prior to the commencement of thedownswing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a method of improving a user's ability to move anobject toward a desired target is disclosed. In general, a user beginsby continuously moving a point of focus through a portion of a backmovement. The user continues to move the point of focus through aforward movement that results in the completion of a contact position.The user completes the continuous movement with a portion of afollow-through movement. More specifically, in some embodimentsinvolving a striking movement, the majority of the forward movement doesnot involve contact or the release of contact. The contact or release ofcontact occurs towards the conclusion of the forward movement and isimmediately followed by a follow-through movement. For example, in oneembodiment of a golf swing, a golfer begins by continuously moving thepoint of focus through a portion of his or her backswing. The golferthen continuously moves the point of focus in his or her downswing,which concludes with the golf club striking the golf ball. The golfercontinues to move the point of focus as part of the follow-through aftercontact with the golf ball has occurred

In some embodiments, a method of improving the ability of a user toperform a golf swing is disclosed. In order to do so, some embodimentscomprise establishing a point of focus and having a user continuouslymove that point of focus during the various stages of a golf swing(e.g., backswing, downswing, follow-through, etc.). In some embodiments,the point of focus is positioned in space, outward from the golfer'sbody, using a device that attaches to the golfer's forearm. By focusingon moving the point of focus, the golfer improves his or her focus andconcentration, thereby increasing confidence and trust with respect toexecuting the golf swing. At the same time, the user is able to lessenor eliminate the stress and anxiety that accompany the swinging of agolf club. Thus, the golfer is able to improve his or her performance byshifting his or her focus to a secondary point of reference and awayfrom the detailed body mechanics related to properly swinging a golfclub. Desirably, this point of focus also allows the golfer to focus onthe point of focus rather than the position of the golf club itself.

In some embodiments, the user may choose to visually follow the point offocus throughout the entire bodily movement (e.g., golf swing). Inanother embodiment, the user may instead choose to focus on some otherobject (e.g., the golf ball) and only partially view the point of focusduring the movement (e.g., using his or her peripheral vision). In yetanother embodiment, there is no physical point of focus that the usercan actually see. Therefore, the user focuses on a point of focus onlyin a mental sense. In fact, these different embodiments may relate todifferent training stages. For example, a novice may feel morecomfortable actually viewing the point of focus throughout the entiremotion, whereas, one with more experience may not need to physicallyview the point of focus at all.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a training aide or device 30 thatis used to establish a point of focus in a position outwardly away fromthe user's body. In a preferred embodiment, the device 30 may comprise atarget 46 defining a point of focus, a rigid or semi rigid cuff 32 andan elongated member 40 that connects the cuff 32 to the target 46. Asshown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the device 30 may be secured to theuser's forearm using one or more nonadjustable or adjustable connectors,such as straps 36.

In some embodiments, the target 46 defining the point of focus may betangible. For example, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1,the target 46 may comprise a bright-colored, spherical, foam object. Abright color, such as, for example, red, and the spherical shapefacilitate the tracking of the target 46 by the golfer during the swing,especially when the golfer is not looking at the target 46 directly. Ofcourse, the target 46 may have any of a variety of shapes and may beconstructed of any of a variety of materials. Desirably, projection ofthe target 46 onto a plane defines an image area large enough for thegolfer to easily see throughout the swing. Desirably, the area is atleast 1 square inch, and more preferably at least 2 square inches.Alternatively, in one embodiment, the target 46 defining a point offocus may simply be much smaller, such as the distal end of theelongated member 40.

In some embodiments, the target 46 may not be a tangible object. Forexample, in one embodiment, the target 46 may comprise a light thatprojects a visible image. In other embodiments, the target 46 maycomprise a holographic image projected outwardly away from the user'sbody. The projecting means for the image may be situated directly on theuser's body or on a device that is attached to the user's body. In otherembodiments, the user may require the use of special glasses or someother means to view the target 46 defining the point of focus. In yetother embodiments, the point of focus may be virtual. For example, apoint of focus may exist strictly within the mind of the user. Onesituation in which this is likely to occur is where a participant haspreviously used a method that employs a tangible target defining a pointof focus. Thus, in such embodiments the point of focus may exist withinthe mind of the user based on the user's previous recollection of atangible and/or physical target. The device 30 of the illustratedembodiment is advantageous, however, in that it is reliable, inexpensiveand simple to manufacture and use.

In some embodiments, the elongated member 40 is hollow. Desirably, theelongated member defines a constant length during the swing. In apreferred embodiment, however, the elongated member 40 is furtherprovided with telescoping means to permit the user to vary the distancebetween the cuff 32 and the target 46 defining a point of focus toaccommodate different user sizes and preferences. This also facilitatestransportation and storage of the device 30. In one embodiment, theelongated member is long enough to visually enable a golfer to practicea golf swing without using a golf club. In one embodiment, the elongatedmember 40 comprises a lightweight aluminum material. However, theelongated member 40 may be constructed from any of a number of rigid orsemi-rigid materials. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, thetarget 46 defining a point of focus is attached to the distal end of theelongated member 40 comprised of a series of telescoping hollow tubes48. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that the target46 defining a point of focus may be attached at various locations alongthe elongated member 40, more or less proximal to the cuff 32. Inaddition, the target 46 defining a point of focus, may be attached tothe elongated member 40 using any of a variety of connections (e.g.,glued, welded, threaded, bolted, snap fit, other mechanical attachmentmeans, etc.). In some embodiments, the target 46 defining a point offocus may be quickly detached and reattached, thus allowing the user toeasily customize the device 30 according to his or her taste.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the elongated member 40is attached to the cuff 32 at two places 42, 44. Other embodiments mayuse more or fewer attachment locations. In one embodiment, the lowerconnection 44 may be hinged to permit the elongated member 40 to rotatewithin a limited range relative to the cuff 32 and the user's forearm.In order to permit the elongated member 40 to rotate, the upperconnection 42 may be designed to support the elongated member 40 at aparticular distance away from the surface of the cuff 32. The hingedconnection also ensures that the elongated member 40 does not interferewith the user's hands or other body part during use. Of course, it isapparent to those of skill in the art that different attachment meansmay be used to connect the elongated member 40 to the cuff 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the device 30 isattached to the user's forearm using two adjustable straps 36. Ofcourse, those of skill in the art will recognize that more or fewerstraps 36 may be used. In some embodiments, the straps 36 are comprisedof a flexible Velcro material, allowing the user to easily put on andremove the device 30. In some embodiments, the straps 36 may beconstructed of different materials or may even be substituted altogetherby some other means of securing the device 30 to the user. The securingmeans may also be configured to further ensure that the device 30 doesnot move relative to the user's forearm, or other body part to which thedevice 30 is attached, during use. In some embodiments, the device 30includes a padded portion 34 that interfaces with the user to provideadded comfort to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the padded portion34 may comprise a soft rubber material (e.g., neoprene). In oneembodiment, the padded portion 34 may be designed to better absorb bodysweat or other moisture.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the device 30 is secured to theuser's forearm. Thus, the location of the point of focus is associatedwith and, desirably substantially determined by, the position of theuser's forearm. In a preferred embodiment, the device 30 is attached tothe upper portion of the user's forearm, near the elbow, to ensure thatthe device 30 moves independently of the lower forearm and wrists.However, depending on the specific sporting activity and bodily movementinvolved, embodiments of the device 30 may be configured to be attachedto other parts of the user's body. For example, in some embodiments, adevice 30 for use with respect to improving a user's kicking motion maybe attached to the user's upper leg. In addition, those of skill in theart will recognize that the exact method of positioning the point offocus in a location outward from a user's body can be varied, so long asthe point of focus is substantially within the field of vision of theuser and can be continuously moved in connection with the particularbodily activity being performed.

In some embodiments, the point of focus is moved in a substantiallycircular pattern while performing a sporting activity. FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B,6B and 9B depict, in a time sequential manner, one embodiment of themethod in use during the execution of a golf swing. In the illustratedembodiment, a device 30 having a target 46 defining a point of focus issituated on the golfer's forearm. In one embodiment, the right-handedgolfer positions the device 30 on his or her left forearm in such a waythat the elongated member 40 to which the target 46 defining a point offocus attaches is substantially parallel with the adjacent forearm. In apreferred embodiment, the elongated member 40 of the device should besubstantially aligned with the backside of the golfer's forearm suchthat the golfer cannot see the elongated member 40 or the target 46defining a point of focus when the golfer places his or her open palm infront of his or her face. When extended in the position shown in FIG. 2,the distance between the point of focus and the cuff desirably does notvary during use. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the golfer maybe able to adjust the distance between the target 46 defining a point offocus and him or herself. For example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B and 9B, the device 30 is equipped with atelescoping elongated member 40, which permits the distance between thepoint of focus and the golfer's forearm to be easily varied.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the golfer is at the staticaddress position wearing the device 30 on his left forearm and grippinga golf club 70. As is illustrated by FIGS. 4B, 5B and 6B, when thegolfer moves the golf club 70 backwards through the backswing, the pointof focus moves in a substantially circular pattern (in a clockwisedirection as shown in the figures). Likewise, as seen in FIG. 9B, afterthe golfer reaches the top of the backswing, during the downswing andfollow-through, the point of focus again moves in a substantiallycircular pattern (this time, however, in a counterclockwise direction asshown). In a preferred embodiment, the radius of the circular path ofthe point of focus is substantially constant. By concentrating oncontinuously moving the point of focus in such a circular manner, thegolfer unintentionally keeps his or her shoulders and arms in motionduring the entire swing sequence. In addition, since the target 46defining a point of focus is in the golfer's sight of vision during theentire swing, the golfer is able to better visualize this circularmotion. In one embodiment, the visible circular plane may enable thegolfer to choose a particular circular pattern that optimizes his or hergolf swing. Consequently, the golfer avoids any undesirableinterruptions, resulting in a smoother swing and a more accurate andconsistent golf shot. One reason for the smoother swing is that thepoint of focus is moved knowing that the point of focus will not itselfcontact anything during the movement. Thus, the golfer is able to shifthis or her focus from a contact motion to a smoother non-contact motion.As discussed above, the execution of the golf shot is further improvedby the mental benefits associated with focusing on moving the point offocus.

In other embodiments, movement of the point of focus in a circularpattern is particularly well suited for establishing and indicatingproper tempo and rhythm during a bodily movement. For example, if agolfer's arms improperly slow down during a golf swing, the point offocus may wobble, and the user will be alerted.

In some embodiments, the point of focus may be substantially movedwithin a single plane. FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7, 8, 9A and 10 illustrate,in a time sequential manner, one embodiment of the method in use duringthe execution of a golf swing. A device 30 having a target 46 defining apoint of focus is situated on the golfer's left forearm. FIG. 3A showsthe golfer at the address position immediately prior to the commencementof his or her swing. FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A show a chronological sequenceof movements during the golfer's backswing, as seen by someone standingbehind the golfer and along the target line of the ball. As can be seenfrom these figures, the point of focus desirably moves substantiallywithin plane 60. Further, the point of focus remains substantiallywithin this plane 60 during the downswing and follow-through portions ofthe swing, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9A.

In some embodiments, the method requires the golfer to execute a minimumbackswing in preparation for the subsequent downswing andfollow-through. In one embodiment, the golfer must carry out thebackswing to at least an extent such that the point of focus 46 passes aminimum threshold level 80 along plane 60, as indicated in FIGS. 6A and6B. In other words, if FIG. 6B is viewed as a clock (with the golfer'sshoulders representing the center of the clock and the elongated member40 representing the hands of the clock), the elongated member 40desirably reaches “9 o′clock” (represented by line 80) to ensure properarm lift. In a preferred embodiment, in order to ensure proper shoulderturn, the golfer should perform a backswing so that the elongated shaft40 is substantially parallel to the target line 94 of the golf ball 92,as shown in FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, once the golfer has reachedthe top of his or her backswing, the downswing may be performed bysimply moving the point of focus directly toward the target (the golfball). In one embodiment, the golfer is required to keep his or herwrist (left wrist as shown in the figures) flat and cocked as the pointof focus is moved toward the target. As a result, the face of the golfclub will follow the point of focus directly to the target and thegolfer's left wrist will unhinge naturally. A plane 90 (represented by across-hatched pattern in FIG. 6B), which is formed by the elongatedmember 40 of the device 30 and the golfer's club 70, will alsonecessarily pass through the intended target if the golfer moves thepoint of focus to the target during the downswing. As the golfer movesthe point of focus towards the intended target, the club will generallytrace the same inclined circular plane to the target. In a preferredembodiment, as shown in the figures, the golfer will attempt to maintainthe point of focus and the club 70 within an ideal plane 60 during allphases of the golf swing, including the backswing, downswing andfollow-through. However, in some embodiments, the golfer may make themost of his or her swing, regardless of the backswing, if he or shesimply directs the point of focus towards the golf ball during thedownswing. Consequently, the golf club will be guided directly to thegolf ball, thereby maximizing the outcome for that particular swing.This is particularly well-suited for beginner and intermediate-levelgolfers who may find it difficult to swing their clubs within a desiredplane. As golfers gain more experience, they may begin to focus onmaking other adjustments (e.g., backswing, arm lift, shoulder turn,etc.) in order to further improve their overall golf swing.

FIG. 11 illustrates the view of a golfer using one embodiment of themethod. Specifically, the golfer is looking at the point of focusimmediately before starting the downswing. At this moment in time, inone embodiment, the golfer should have properly rotated his or hershoulders and raised his or her arms. In a preferred embodiment, thegolfer must then attempt to move the point of focus directly towards thetarget (e.g., the golf ball).

The point of focus significantly enhances the golfer's ability tovisualize this plane 90 throughout the swing by providing a secondaryreference point that the golfer would not otherwise have. In oneembodiment, the plane 90 may match the golfer's swing plane in order tomaximize the swing, frequently resulting in a pure shot. In someembodiments, golfers use this secondary reference point to betterdetermine where they are in the golf swing process and to determine ifthey are within a desired plane of movement. In addition, it providesgolfers with a way to self-evaluate their golf swing.

Advantageously, in its preferred embodiments, the device 30 is notgripped by the hands of the user. The device desirably can be used whilethe golfer is swinging a golf club, so that when the golfer is on thecourse, the golfer will be able to recreate the swing movement moreeasily, rather than relying on a device which must be set aside beforeswinging with a golf club. Similarly, the device preferably is notconnected to a golf club, so that its movement is not tied directly tothe movement of the small muscles of the hand and/or wrist and so thatthe golfer does not become overwhelmed by stress in attempting toprecisely position the golf club during each segment of the golf swing.By focusing on the continuous movement of the point of focussubstantially within a plane, it is believed that the method assists inachieving the proper sequential release of the user's joints during theexecution of a movement such as a golf swing. For example, in oneembodiment, if the golfer moves the target 46 defining a point of focusdirectly toward the target on the downswing, as discussed above, theelongated member 40 of a device 30 may be used as an indicator of theproper direction of movement for uncocking the golfer's wrists. Thus, inone embodiment, if the golfer's wrists are properly positioned duringthe downswing, the movement of the target 46 defining a point of focustoward the target will naturally sequence the release of golfer's wristsand other joints as the swing transitions into follow-through phase.

In some embodiments, the user may utilize the point of focus as analignment tool in relation to a bodily movement. For example, in someembodiments, the point of focus may indicate the extent to which agolfer's shoulders turn during the backswing. Thus, in one embodiment, agolfer may utilize the point of focus as a guide to develop propershoulder rotation during the backswing. In one embodiment, the golfermay prevent over-rotation by terminating his or her backswing when thepoint of focus reaches a designated location in space or when theelongated member 40 of the device 30 is substantially parallel to thetarget line of the golf ball. As mentioned above, in some embodiments,this will also ensure that the golfer has properly situated himself orherself in preparation for the downswing portion of the swing. Forexample, the golfer may use the device to ensure that he or she hasattained proper arm lift and shoulder turn.

In some embodiments, a laser may be added to the point of focus in orderto project the position of the point of focus on the ground or on awall. This would make it easier for a user to determine the exactlocation (e.g., horizontal position) of a point of focus during theexecution of a bodily movement. For example, in one embodiment, agolfer, while focusing on continuously moving a point of focus duringhis or her swing, would be able to detect the exact position of thepoint of focus relative to his or her body. This is especially helpfulduring the latter stages of the backswing and follow-through of the golfswing when shoulder rotation makes it more difficult to determine howfar behind the golfer the point of focus has moved.

In some embodiments, the point of focus and/or the elongated member maybe weighted. This would alter the forces that the user feels during aparticular bodily movement. For example, in one embodiment of the device30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the target 46 defining a point of focusand/or the elongated member 40 may be weighted to alter the feel of thegolf swing. In one embodiment, the modified feel of the target 46defining a point of focus and/or the elongated member 40 may make iteasier for the golfer to recognize discontinuous movement of the target46 defining a point of focus throughout a complete circular movement,over-rotation of the shoulders, improper tempo or some other deficiencythat may affect the golf swing.

In some embodiments, a method may incorporate biofeedback technology.For example, in one embodiment, a device 30 may be equipped with heartrate and/or blood pressure sensing features. Those of skill in the artrecognize that other real-time data regarding the user may also bemeasured. In one embodiment, the heart rate and/or blood pressuremeasurements may also be revealed to the user. In a preferredembodiment, such data are indicated to the user via a display situatedon the point of focus or elsewhere in the user's light of sight, thusallowing the user to be aware of this information during the executionof the bodily movement. In other embodiments, the point of focus maychange colors to indicate changes in the information being measured. Forexample, the point of focus may become more red as the user's heart rateand/or blood pressure increase. This will enable the user to betterassess his or her condition prior to, during and after a particularmovement. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that theexact manner in which such information is provided to the user is notimportant, so long as the user is made aware of the real-timeinformation being measured.

In some embodiments, information related to the point of focus or anyother device or part of a device may be measured using the appropriatesensing means. For example, in some embodiments, the speed at which thepoint of focus is moved, the exact location of the point of focus atvarious points during the movement, the torque exerted on the elongatedmember during the swing and/or the like may be measured.

In another embodiment, any information measured during the course of themovement (e.g., related to the user's body, the physical movement of thepoint of focus or otherwise, etc.) may be instantaneously indicatedand/or stored for later extraction (e.g., download). In one embodiment,such extracted information can be later displayed on a monitor (e.g.,computer screen).

In some embodiments, the method may be useful to enhance a televisionbroadcast or some other type of filmed program involving a sportingevent. For example, in one embodiment, a device having a point of focusmay be worn by one or more golfers during a televised golf tournament.Consequently, television personnel would be able to analyze differentaspects of a participating golfer's swing. For example, in oneembodiment, the path taken by the point of focus during the swing couldbe traced and visually displayed on the television to evaluate key swingcharacteristics including, but not limited to, the circularity of theswing, planes generated by the golf club and the point of focus, tempo,shoulder rotation and the like.

Embodiments of the device 30 shown in FIG. 1 may be thought of assporting goods equipment capable of being utilized outside the trainingcontext. For example, in some embodiments, the device 30 may be used bya golfer on the golf course, while he or she plays an actual round ofgolf, either recreationally or competitively.

Despite the fact that the embodiments herein have been primarily relatedgenerally to the sport of golf, and more specifically to a golf swing,those of skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed methods anddevices are equally applicable to other golfing movements (e.g., puttingor chipping) and even to other sports, especially those that involve thecontact or displacement of objects using circular bodily movements(e.g., tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc.). For example, inshooting a basketball, the back movement could be at least a portion ofcocking the basketball, the forward movement could desirably be from theextreme back of the back movement to the release of contact with thebasketball and the follow-through can be from the end of the forwardmovement to completion of the stroke.

Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of themethods and devices shown and described in the present disclosure may bedifferently combined and/or modified to form still further embodiments.Additionally, it will be recognized that the methods described hereinmay be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recitedsteps. Such alternative embodiments and/or uses of the methods anddevices described above and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention should notbe limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should bedetermined by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of improving the ability of a user tomove an object as a result of athletic movement, comprising: securing adevice to the user, said device comprising a target, wherein the deviceis configured to secure to an attachment site of the user; wherein thedevice positions a target that extends longitudinally beyond theattachment site of the user at a location which is substantiallyconstant with respect to the attachment site of the user; wherein thetarget defines a point of focus in substantially constant positionrelative to the attachment site of the user; and moving the point offocus through at least a portion of a back movement, a forward movementand at least a portion of a follow-though movement following a point ofcontact so that the point of focus is substantially continuously withinthe field of vision of the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinmoving the point of focus through the at least a portion of a backmovement, a forward movement and at least a portion of a follow-thoughmovement cooperate to move the point of focus in a substantiallycircular pattern.
 3. The method in claim 1, wherein the device isconfigured to secure to the user's arm.
 4. The method in claim 3,wherein the device is configured to secure to the user's forearm,generally between the user's wrist and elbow.
 5. The method in claim 1,wherein the device is configured to secure to the user's leg.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the point of focus is moved substantiallywithin a plane.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the location of thepoint of focus is associated with the position of the user's shoulder orhip.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the back movement, the forwardmovement and the follow-through movement comprise a golf swing.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the back movement, the forward movement andthe follow-through movement comprise a golf putt.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the back movement, the forward movement and thefollow-through movement comprise a soccer kick, a tennis swing or abasketball shot.